Rep. John Hewkin

Maddy summaryHB 3231 establishes Missouri's "Innovation District Program," allowing cities to voluntarily designate specific downtown or main street areas as innovation districts to access state economic development incentives. Participating cities must submit a master plan outlining district boundaries, infrastructure needs, and how incentives will be used, which the state must approve within 45 days. The bill provides standardized state tax breaks (like income tax exemptions and opportunity zones) and local incentives (such as property tax abatements) for qualifying projects within designated districts, evaluated using a uniform "master scorecard." It ensures these incentives apply automatically to eligible projects without local restrictions but explicitly states cities cannot be forced to join and local zoning authority remains intact.

Maddy summaryHB 2057 creates a new "entertainment district special license" for designated areas in Missouri that meet specific criteria, such as being located in a city with 4,400-4,900 residents bordering a lake with at least 1,000 miles of shoreline. This license allows participating bars, restaurants, and portable bars within the district to sell alcohol by the drink until 1:30 a.m. on weekdays and from 6 a.m. on Sundays until 1:30 a.m. on Mondays. It permits patrons to move alcohol between licensed venues within the district boundaries (but not outside) and requires establishments to serve drinks in containers marked with their unique logo. Licensees must pay a $300 annual fee and are solely responsible for alcohol violations on their premises or in common areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2596 modifies rules for multi-employer self-insured health plans, which are arrangements offering health benefits to employees of two or more employers (or self-employed individuals) without full insurance backing. The bill requires these plans to maintain a minimum financial safety net - either three times their average monthly premium, $600,000, or two times their risk-based capital amount - depending on their experience. This directly affects staff leasing companies and multi-employer health plans that operate without a fully insured insurer. The changes aim to ensure these plans have sufficient funds to cover future claims.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 updates the state's point system for driving violations, affecting drivers who accumulate points on their license record. It sets specific thresholds for license suspension (e.g., 8 points in 18 months) and revocation (12 points in 12 months), while allowing drivers to avoid full suspension by installing an alcohol interlock device in their vehicle. License reinstatement requires proof of financial responsibility (like insurance) and takes 30-90 days depending on prior suspensions, with shorter timelines for first-time offenses. The bill also clarifies that points cannot be reduced during suspension periods and mandates reinstatement fees for suspended drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 2637 revises Missouri's criminal justice system by requiring detailed documentation for offender transfers to correctional facilities, including sentencing specifics, health records, and victim information. It establishes a new 12-24 month treatment program for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse issues (excluding those convicted of dangerous felonies), allowing courts to suspend incarceration pending program completion. The bill also mandates parole board guidelines prioritizing serious offenders, using risk assessments, and publishing transparency data on release and recidivism rates. These changes directly affect nonviolent offenders, correctional departments, courts, and parole boards by altering transfer procedures, treatment eligibility, and parole decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryHB 3477 removes annual spending limits on the "Champion for Children Tax Credit," which allows taxpayers to claim a credit for donations to qualifying child advocacy organizations (CASA, child advocacy centers, or crisis care centers). Previously, the program had cumulative caps limiting total credits issued each fiscal year ($1 million through 2019, $1.5 million through 2025, and $2.5 million through 2027). The bill eliminates these caps, enabling taxpayers to claim the credit without those annual restrictions. This change directly affects taxpayers donating to eligible child advocacy groups, making the tax credit more accessible without spending limits. The credit remains limited to 50% (or 70% after 2024) of verified contributions, with a $50 minimum and $50,000 annual maximum per taxpayer.

Maddy summaryHB 2669 increases Missouri's daily reimbursement rate for counties and cities holding inmates from $37.50 to $40 per day. It directly affects local governments that house individuals sentenced under specific laws, including probation/parole revocations or pretrial detention. The bill requires counties to submit reimbursement claims within two years of eligibility, with the state paying for eligible custody days. This change applies to cases where the state is legally liable for costs under existing statutes, such as sentences under Chapter 558 or detention under Section 559.026.

Maddy summaryHB 3002 repeals existing Missouri laws (sections 1.410-1.485 RSMo) and replaces them with the "Second Amendment Preservation Act." It prohibits Missouri state and local officials from assisting in enforcing federal laws that restrict firearm ownership, manufacture, or use within Missouri's borders. The bill specifically targets federal regulations that Missouri claims exceed constitutional authority, such as those collecting data on firearms or banning gun possession. This law directly affects all Missouri government entities, including local law enforcement and state agencies, by barring them from cooperating with federal gun control enforcement within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1683, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any federal or state "red flag law" that would seize firearms from residents, except in specific cases like individuals in custody after dangerous felony charges. The bill bans state use of funds to enforce such laws, blocks enforcement of federal orders related to firearm seizure within Missouri, and creates legal liability for officials who attempt to enforce these laws, including $50,000 penalties per violation. It explicitly allows firearm seizures as evidence during investigations but prohibits enforcement of laws requiring surrender of firearms based on temporary or permanent seizure orders. The bill directly affects Missouri residents by preventing state authorities from complying with red flag law enforcement actions targeting their firearm ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 1682 defines "person" to include "an unborn child at every stage of development from the moment of fertilization until birth," treating abortion as criminal homicide under existing murder laws. It prohibits abortion except in limited medical emergencies where a licensed physician performs a procedure to save the pregnant person’s life when all alternatives failed. The bill removes defenses like "duress" for abortion-related offenses (except for the mother in specific cases) and allows prosecution in multiple counties based on where the offense occurred or the victim resided. This would directly affect individuals seeking or providing abortions, medical providers, and law enforcement in Missouri.